Last Wednesday, downtown animal-lovers gathered with friends for some wine, cheese and the release of Mighty Mutts’ 2013 Portraits of Hope calendar which showcases rescued animals saved by the all-volunteer nonprofit.

The fundraiser was held at the SoHo Digital Art Gallery at 138 Sullivan Street where attendees enjoyed a dozen or so framed slideshows of adoptable animals running along the gallery’s walls. Approximately 60 people attended the event with several accompanied by their four-legged companions.

Founded in 1994 by animal rescuer John Contino, the no-kill, non-for-profit has rescued over 1,300 animals, placing the vast majority in permanent, loving homes, with the remainder staying with local fosters or at the nonprofit’s cat adoption center “Ollie’s Place” at 430 E. 9th Street in the East Village.

For many Manhattanites, the rescue group is most well known for its Union Square Adoption table where every Saturday, except for in inclement weather, a dedicated group of volunteers and fosterers accept donations and reach out to passersby to encourage adoption and fostering of animals in need.

Led by Volunteer Coordinator Kit Efraimson and Mighty Mutts’ Executive Director Michelle Marlow the nonprofit has occupied the corner of 14th Street and Union Square South for the past 18 years.